Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 3 hrs ago
Home Assistant Connect AUX-2 lets older devices join smart homes
Nabu Casa has launched the $69 Home Assistant Connect AUX-2, a small device for connecting older electronics to smart home systems.
It is designed to work with Home Assistant, a customizable platform for controlling connected devices.
The AUX-2 supports older equipment through RS-232 ports, including TVs, stereo systems and amplifiers.
It also has Bluetooth, Z-Wave, USB, Power over Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections.
One AUX-2 can control multiple devices, depending on their connections, and USB can support compatible adapters.
This matters because people can keep using working electronics instead of replacing them just because they lack smart features or cloud support.
The device is available now for $69; no further next steps are stated.
Nabu Casa has launched the Home Assistant Connect AUX-2, a $69 device designed to connect older electronics and other non-smart devices to Home Assistant.
The box supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and two RS-232 serial connections.
It can link Bluetooth devices, control compatible equipment such as TVs and AV receivers, and connect older audio systems to Home Assistant.
The device is based on ESPHome and uses existing Home Assistant and ESPHome integrations.
Nabu Casa founder Paulus Schoutsen said the product aims to help people keep using devices they already own.
- Who
- Nabu Casa, the company behind official Home Assistant hardware, launched the Connect AUX-2.
- What
- It is a $69 multi-purpose device for connecting older electronics and other devices to Home Assistant.
- When
- November 11, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- It is designed to make existing devices smarter and easier to control, rather than replacing working equipment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Home Assistant serial integration was developed, according to The Verge.
Nabu Casa launched the Home Assistant Connect AUX-2, which was reported as available for purchase.
- Price
- $69
- Serial ports
- Two RS-232 ports
- Wireless connectivity
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Other connections
- Ethernet, USB-A, USB-C, audio jack, and Grove port
- Platform
- ESPHome
2 sources
What people are saying
The most sustainable device is the one you already own
No device should be left behind because it doesn’t have smart capabilities, or worst of all, its cloud services get turned off